Detroit is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.

Detroit city skyline

Detroit, [1] a major metropolis in the state of Michigan, has significantly influenced the world, from the advent of the automotive assembly line, to the Motown sound, to modern techno & rock acts, Detroit continues to shape American and global culture. The Detroit area is bustling with new developments and attractions which complement its world class museums and theaters. Metro Detroit offers myriad things to see and do, an exciting travel destination filled with technological advance and historic charm.

Districts

Downtown - the city's central buisness district. It is home to several nice parks, a large theatre district, great architecture, and many of the city's attractions. It is Detroit's center of life!

Midtown-New Center - the city's cultural center, home to several museums and galleries. The area is also home to some great 1920s architecture.

East Side - includes the Eastern Market, Belle Isle, and much of the riverfront.

Southwest Side - home to many of the city's ethnic neighborhoods, such as Mexicantown and Corktown. The area is mostly known for its cuisine in these ethnic neighborhoods, however it is also home to many historical sites, such as the Michigan Central Station and Tiger Stadium.

Northwest Side - primarily a residential area. It is home to many historic neighborhoods, several colleges and universities, and the Michigan State Fair.

Hamtramck-Highland Park - while not part of the City of Detroit, the cities of Hamtramck and Highland Park are entirely surrounded by Detroit, with the exception of where Highland Park and Hamtramck each border one another. Hamtramck is sometimes referred to as "Poletown" because of the large Polish population and influence in the city. Highland Park is home to many historic buildings and neighborhoods.

Understand

Detroit is the largest city and metro region in the U.S. to offer casino resorts. The four major casino resorts include MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown, MotorCity, and Caesars Windsor which is just across the river in Canada. Detroit Metro Airport is one of the few to offer world class hotel and meeting facilities inside the terminal. The Renaissance Center and the Southfield Town Center are among the nation's finest mixed use facilities for large conferences. Downtown Detroit serves as the cultural and entertainment hub of the metropolitan region, Windsor, Ontario, and even for Toledo, Ohio residents, many of whom work in metropolitan Detroit. While there are many things to see and do in Detroit, from sporting events to world class museums and theatre, tourists may find that certain amenities such as major shopping venues are currently more spread out into the suburbs than those in Chicago or New York. The Detroit-Windsor metro area population totals about 5.9 million; it jumps to 6.5 million if Toledo is included. An estimated 46 million people live within a 300 mile (480 km) radius of Detroit. The city's northern inner ring suburbs like Ferndale, Southfield, Royal Oak, and Birmingham provide an urban experience in the suburbs complete with dining, shopping and other attractions. The Detroit area has many regal mansions especially in Grosse Pointe, Bloomfield Hills, and Birmingham. Troy and Livonia provide the best of American suburbia while Ann Arbor provides the nearby experience of a world renowned college town.

Metropolitan Detroit is an international destination for sporting events of all types; patrons enjoy their experience in world class venues. The Detroit Convention and Visitors bureau maintains the Detroit Metro Sports Commission [2]. The city and region have state of the art facilities for major conferences and conventions.

Detroit is known as the world's "Automobile Capital" and "Motown" (for "Motor Town"), the city where Henry Ford pioneered the automotive assembly line, with the world's first mass produced car, the Model T. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt called Detroit, the "Arsenal of Democracy." Today, the region serves as the global center for the automotive world. Headquartered in metro Detroit, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler all have major corporate, manufacturing, engineering, design, and research facilities in the area. Hyundai, Toyota, Nissan, among others, have a presence in the region. The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a global leader in research and development. Metro Detroit has made Michigan's economy a leader in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Michigan ranks fourth nationally in high tech employment with 568,000 high tech workers, including 70,000 in the automotive industry. Michigan typically ranks among the top three states for overall Research & Development investment expenditures in the U.S. The domestic Auto Industry accounts directly and indirectly for one of every ten jobs in the U.S.

Downtown Detroit is unique - an International Riverfront [3], ornate buildings, sculptures, fountains, the nation's second largest theater district, and one of the nation's largest collection of pre-depression era skyscrapers. Two major traffic circles along Woodward Avenue surround Campus Martius Park and Grand Circus Park, both gathering points. The city has ample parking much of it in garages. Many historic buildings have been converted into loft apartments, and over sixty new businesses have opened in the Central Business District over the past two years. Downtown Detroit features the Renaissance Center, including the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere, the Detroit Marriott, with the largest rooftop restaurant, the Coach Insignia. Many restaurants emanate from the Renaissance Center, Greektown, the arts and theatre district, and stadium area. Joining the east riverfront parks, the city has the 982-acre (3.9 km²; 2.42 sq mi) Belle Isle Park with the large James Scott Memorial Fountain, historic conservatory, gardens, and spectacular views of the city skyline. Visitors may reserve a public dock downtown at the Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor. Great Lakes Cruises are also available. Surrounding neighborhoods such as Corktown, home to Detroit's early Irish population, New Center [4], Midtown, and Eastern Market [5] (the nation's largest open air market), are experiencing a revival. Detroit has a rich architectural heritage, from the restoration of the historic Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel downtown to the Westin Detroit Hotel surrounded by the golden towers of the ulta-contemporary Southfield Town Center [6]. In 2005, Detroit's architecture was heralded as some of America's finest; many of the city's architecturally significant buildings are listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as among America's most endangered landmarks.

Orientation

Detroit is bordered to the south by the Detroit River, which divides the U.S. and Canada (Detroit is the only place in the continental U.S. where you have to go south to enter Canada!). Downtown is located on and near the riverfront, so the rest of the city expands north, east, and west from downtown. The Cultural Center, home to most of the city's museums, is just north of downtown, along Woodward Ave.

Get in

By plane

Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)[7] is in Romulus, about 20 minutes west of the city proper, located at the junction between I-275 and I-94 with many nearby hotels. The airport is a major Northwest hub (expected to be a major Delta hub) and operational headquarters, so it offers direct flights to and from a surprising variety of cities, from Seattle to Osaka. The terminal offers World Clubs as well as a Westin Hotel and conference center. The massive, recently completed midfield McNamara Terminal serves Northwest, Continental, Delta, and major international carriers; All other carriers utilize the new North Terminal. For convenience, the McNamara Terminal has both domestic and international gates in the same terminal. An enclosed light rail system shuttles travelers in the McNamara Terminal. There is a free shuttle between the terminals – look for blue and white vans that say "Westin - Terminal." The airport is one of the most recently modernized in the U.S. with six major runways.

The quickest way to get to downtown Detroit is to rent a car or take a taxi-cab. Standard cab fare to downtown is $45-$50. You can also get to Detroit using the SMART (suburban) mass transit bus system [8]. Route 125 serves the airport approximately every half hour, beginning alternately at the Smith and McNamara terminals (no bus serves both terminals), and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to get downtown. The fare is $1.50. Familiarize yourself with the route map and schedule before you try this – it is more commonly used by workers at the airport than tourists.

By car

Several interstates converge in downtown Detroit. I-75 North/South runs from Toledo through downtown Detroit to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I-94 runs East/West from Chicago to Detroit and continues up to Sarnia. I-96 East/West heads from Detroit to Lansing, Michigan. I-696 runs along the northern edge of the city, connecting the eastern suburbs (e.g. St. Clair Shores) to Southfield. I-275 connects with the suburb of Livonia. Highways M-10, M-14, M-23, and M-39 are major freeways which interconnect with the Interstates in the Detroit metro area to ease navigation. Highway M-39, called the Southfield Freeway, connects Dearborn to Southfield. Highway M-10, called the Lodge Freeway, connects Southfield to downtown. Highway M-14 connects Ann Arbor to Detroit via I-96. Bypassing Ann Arbor, highway M-23 connects I-94 to I-96.

The metro area's major Interstates and freeways were overhauled in preparation the 2006 National Football League Super Bowl XL in Detroit and are in good condition.

As with any major city, traffic during rush hour can make travel really slow. This is especially aggravated during shift changes at the local automotive plants.

For smaller streets, the Detroit area is laid out in wheel-and-spoke, grid, and strip-farm configuration. This was due to first French development (strip farms along the river), early city layout (wheel and spoke from the river's edge), followed by the modern North/South grid. Mile roads run east-west, starting at downtown Detroit and increasing as you travel north. These mile roads may change name in different cities, so pay attention. There are also several spoke roads, including Woodward Ave, Michigan Ave, Gratiot Ave, and Grand River Ave. Only in the old downtown business district is the original Washington D.C./L'enfant style wheel and spoke layout found (it is quite confusing, with several one-way streets added for fun). In areas along the River and Lake St. Clair, the colonial-era French practice of allocating strips of land with water access is seen as main roads parallel the water, and secondary roads perpendicular to it. This is very confusing to non-residents.

By bus

Greyhound[9]. Service west to Chicago (5-8 hours, $35) , east to Toronto (5-6 hours), and south to Toledo (1 hour, $15), as well as all over Michigan. The terminal is near downtown at 1001 Howard St..

Megabus[10]. Discount bus service to and from Chicago (6 hours, $1-$25), with connections at Chicago to many midwestern cities. Part of the reason why it's so cheap is that there is no terminal – the bus simply stops at a street corner, either Cass and Warren, near Wayne State University and the museum/cultural district, or on Park Avenue at the Grand Circus Park People Mover station.

By train

Amtrak[11]. Train service to and from Chicago on the "Wolverine" route (5-6 hours, $25-$50), with many connections in Chicago. Deeply discounted tickets at short notice are often available at Amtrak's Weekly Specials page [12]. For travel to the east, a bus connection is available to the Toledo Amtrak station, with trains to New York (21 hours, $75-$150) and Washington, D.C. (16 hours, $65-$130), but travellers may find the middle-of-the-night departures unappealing. The train station is conveniently located at 11 W. Baltimore at the corner of Woodward Ave., in the museum/cultural district north of downtown.

Get around

Detroit's street layout is truly unique, combining wheel-and-spoke, grid, and strip-farm (near the River) layouts. Six major spoke roads radiate out from downtown; they are, in clockwise order, Fort Street, Michigan Avenue, Grand River Avenue, Woodward Avenue, Gratiot Avenue, and Jefferson Avenue. Woodward Avenue runs north-south (more or less) and divides Detroit into east and west; West Warren Street, for instance, becomes East Warren Street when it crosses Woodward. Smaller streets generally conform to a strict grid pattern, although the orientation of the grid and the size and shape of blocks frequently varies to fit better with the spoke roads. Downtown, the layout abandons the grid design, with the spoke roads converging in a confusing but oddly logical arrangement of diagonal, mostly one-way streets.

By car

Detroit and its suburbs spread over a large area, and getting around may prove to be difficult without a car. Nonetheless, an extensive highway system and ample parking make the region one of the most auto-friendly in North America. Detroit has one of America's most modern freeway systems. See the Michigan Department of Transportation [13] website for a current listing of downtown road closures and construction projects. Downtown has parking garages in strategic locations.

Visitors are welcome to pay to park at the Renaissance Center garage, shop, dine, and tour the city on the People Mover elevated rail. There are plenty of pay-to-park garages, lots, and valet near the Greektown/stadium areas. Premium parking right next to the stadium is well worth the extra price and usually available during a game. Downtown has an ease of entry from the freeways which may surprise new vistors. Valet parking is available at four Renaissance Center locations, the main Winter Garden entrance along the Riverfront, the Jefferson Ave. lobby, Marriott hotel entrance west, and Seldom Blues entrance west.

Detroit has an abundance of taxi, limo, and shuttle services. Car rental prices are reasonable. Ask your auto insurance agent for a complimentary Canadian insurance ID card, if you plan to drive to Windsor. When buying extra rental car insurance, you can ask for coverage to drive in Windsor. A passport or birth certificate is currently required to cross the border.

On foot or by bicycle

A car is helpful for getting around the rest of the city, but due to the unusual layout and large number of one-way streets, getting out and walking for a few blocks is a good way to see downtown. Bike rentals are available in downtown Detroit along the International Riverfront at Rivard Plaza from Wheelhouse. Downtown and the riverfront are usually bustling with visitors.

By bus

The Detroit Department of Transportation[14] provides mass transit bus service within the city of Detroit. Downtown has a the new Rosa Parks Transit Center. DDOT buses are yellow and green. For safety, DDOT buses may be patrolled by the Wayne County sheriff's deputies. 17 routes serve the central bus terminal, which is downtown at Griswold and Shelby streets. Standard fare $1.50, transfer $.25.

SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) [15] is a mass transit bus system that serves the entire Detroit area. SMART buses are white with red and orange stripes. Note that you are not supposed to use SMART to get around Detroit – if you get on the bus in Detroit, you must ride it to the suburbs. Standard fare $1.50, transfer $.25. SMART and DDOT honor each other's transfers.

Transit Windsor[16] operates the "Tunnel Bus", which connects downtown Detroit with downtown Windsor. Standard fare $2.75. You must have approved ID and consider that this service does not run late at night. Some downtown hotels may offer shuttles to Windsor. Currently, a passport or birth certificate may be required to cross the border.

By elevated rail

People Mover

Completed in 1987, the People Mover[17] is a fully automated, elevated rail system that runs a three mile loop in the downtown area. A round trip excursion, covering thirteen stations, takes approximately 15 minutes and offers great views of the city's downtown landmarks. Signature stops include the Renaissance Center (GM HQ & Retail Complex), Greektown, Joe Louis Arena (Home of the Detroit Red Wings), Cobo (Convention) Center, and Cadillac Center (Campus Martius Park). The stations feature original works by local artists. Standard fare $.50.

See

This is only a small list of some of the biggest attractions and even though they are listed here, their info is brief. Make sure to check out the district articles for more.

Architecture

Renaissance Center, also known as the Ren Cen, is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers whose central tower is the tallest building in Michigan and the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere. Built in 1977, it has the world's largest rooftop restaurant that can be reached by a glass elevator ride. The headquarters of General Motors, it is located on the Detroit International Riverfront. See: Downtown.

Fisher Building is an historic Art-Deco building designed by Albert Kahn in 1928. It has been called Detroit's largest art object. See: Midtown-New Center.

Guardian Building is a bold example of Art Deco architecture, including art moderne designs. The interior, decorated with mosaic and Pewabic and Rookwood tile, is a must-see. See: Downtown.

Westin Book Cadillac Hotel is a recently renovated architectural gem first built in 1928. See: Downtown.

Wayne County Building is America's best surviving example of Roman Baroque architecture. See: Downtown.

Historic neighborhoods

Corktown is Detroit's oldest neighborhood. It was settled by Irish people from County Cork, hence the name Corktown. Many historic landmarks are located in the neighborhood, such as the Michigan Central Station and Tigers Stadium. See: Southwest Side.

Greektown is probably Detroit's most famous neighborhood. It has an endless amount of Greek restaurants and is home to Greektown Casino. See: Downtown.

Mexicantown is the fastest growing neighborhood in Detroit. It is famous for its Mexican cuisine, which is evidenced by its vast number of restaurants. See: Southwest Side.

Palmer Woods is a private historic neighborhood in the city of Detroit west of Woodward Ave. and north of Palmer Park.See: Northwest Side.

Woodbridge is an historic district home to many architecturally significant houses, most of which are Victorian-style. The neighborhood was one of the few that were not affected by Detroit's decay a few decades back. See: Southwest Side.

Museums

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History holds the world's largest permanent exhibit on African American culture. See: Midtown-New Center.

Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the most significant museums in the United States. It has an art collection worth more than one billion dollars. See: Midtown-New Center.

Hitsville U.S.A. was Motown Records' first headquarters. Berry Gordy founded it in 1959, and all of the Motown hits were recorded here. Today, the building houses a museum of the history of Motown Records. See: Midtown-New Center.

Parks

Campus Martius Park is Detroit's main park. Several skyscrapers surround this park and the adjacent Cadillac Square Park, which was made in 2007 to increase the amount of park space. The park is also home to several monuments, such as the Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, a Civil War monument. See: Downtown.

Hart Plaza is a park located on Detroit's riverfront. It offers great views of the city's skyline and also has several monuments, such as Dodge Fountain and the Joe Louis Fist. See: Downtown.

Grand Circus Park is a park that connects the financial district to the theatre district. It is also surrounded by many skyscrapers, many of which are abandoned. The park also has many monuments and statues. See: Downtown.

Do

Detroit offers a array of events with some of the highlights listed. This is only a small list of some of the some key activities and events to enjoy and even though they are listed here, their info is brief. Make sure to check out the district articles for more.

Beaches, Canoeing, Kayaking, and more[18] Metro Detroit's popular destinations include Metropolitan Beach in St. Clair Shores, Stony Creek Beach, and Kensington Beach. Detroit's Huron Clinton Metro Park sytem is a great source of fun. Enjoy canoe trips on the Huron River [19].

Casinos The four major casinos include, MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City and Greektown, and Casino Windsor. Check for performances.

Concerts, and more Detroit is the birthplace of American electro/techno music, with Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick Mays all hailing from the area. Although other cities around the world have picked up Detroit's torch and carried it further in some ways, Detroit is still a great place to dance and see the masters at work.

Cruise Ships, the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition[20] The Dock of Detroit [21] receives major cruise lines on the Great Lakes. Adjacent to the Renaissance Center on Hart Plaza. Local tours include Diamond Jack's River Tours[22]. Chartered tours are also available.

Detroit's Night Life includes a multitude of clubs throughout the metropolitan area.

Detroit's Vibrant, Underground Arts Scene Detroit is home to over 80 galleries, with artists hailing from around the world. Artists are attracted to Detroit due to its abundance of raw, under-utilized industrial space and its inspiring environment of pre-depression era buildings. Detroit's public information campaign, "The World is Coming, Get in the Game" [23] features an online tour [24] of this arts scene.

Detroit's Music Scene The Detroit sound is the sound of the world. It is shaped by Detroit's unique past, its cultural diversity, its energy and its future. Detroit's public information campaign, "The World is Coming, Get in the Game" features an online tour of this music scene. Keep in mind that unlike some cities, there is no central entertainment district (Greektown only partially counts) and many up and coming groups play at venues scattered throughout the area. Website Motor City Blog [25] lists music events happening in the Detroit area.

International Freedom Festival[27] Detroit. Begins the last week of June.

Motown Winter Blast[28] Held in January or February in Campus Martius park, includes ice skating, concerts, and a street party in Greektown.

North America International Auto Show[29] Cobo Hall, Detroit. NAIAS is held in January.

Old Car Festival Antique and classic car collector's show in Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford in Dearborn the weekend after Labor Day.

Palazzo di Bocce[30] 4291 S. Lapeer Road in Orion Township, about 40 minutes north of Downtown, is the largest and most elaborate bocce facility in the United States, and perhaps the world. You can play bocce on one of 10 indoor tournament-sized courts with court hosts and hostesses to help if you don't know the game. You can have cocktails and eat courtside while playing, or later in the restaurant, which serves authentic Italian food. Palazzo was the site of the 2005 U.S. national tournament, and hosted the 2005 Singles World Bocce Championships attended by athletes from 17 nations in September. Very popular for group events; Friday and Saturday nights are more crowded.

Woodward Dream Cruise[35] A car fanatic's paradise, this is an informal drive along Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac, where anything imaginable can be seen, from Vipers to vintage cruisers to tricked-out garbage trucks. Happens every August at the height of summer.

Learn

Located in Ann Arbor, about 45 miles west of Detroit, the University of Michigan ranks as one of America's best. Former alumni include President Gerald Ford and Google co-founder Larry Page. Others include Wayne State University (alumni include legendary White House Correspondent Helen Thomas and comedian/actress Lily Tomlin), University of Detroit-Mercy, Lawrence Technological University, Oakland University, Oakland Community College which is one of the largest Community Colleges in Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Marygrove College, and College for Creative Studies.

The Detroit area has many civic and professional organizations. The world headquarters for the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) is in Troy, MI and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI. Others include the Detroit Economic Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Greening of Detroit to promote urban forestry (tree planting), the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Detroit Renaissance, and Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA), and more.

The International Academy, an all International Baccalaureate school (a public, tuition-free consortium high school operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools which consistently ranks among the top 10 public high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine), Cranbrook Schools (an exclusive private boarding school and academy), the Eton Academy, and Henry Ford Academy are some of outstanding secondary schools that are located in the area.

Buy

The Detroit area includes many malls in the suburbs as well as well as souvenir shops within the museums and tourist attractions.
This is only a small list of shops and even though they are listed here, their info is brief. Make sure to check out the district articles for more.

Explore Detroit's Greektown, with its Greek restaurants and shops surrounding the Greektown Casino. Detroit's Mexicantown is known for Mexican cuisine at restaurants such as Mexican Village, Evie's Tamales, El Zocalo and Xochimilco. Restaurants, bakeries, and shops are located on Vernor Highway, on both the east and west sides of the Interstate 75 service drive. Detroit's Hamtramck is famous for its Polish cuisine and bakeries. Choose to dine in elegance at one of Detroit's many fine restaurants a few of which include the Coach Insignia atop the Renaissance Center Downtown, the Whitney House restaurant in Midtown, or the Opus One in the New Center.

Drink

Vernor's Ginger Ale, created by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor, shares the distinction as America's oldest softdrink with Hire's Rootbeer. A local favorite, Detroiters pour Vernor's over ice cream. Also try Faygo soft drinks, another former Detroit based soft drink company. Detroiters enjoy Michigan Wines[43]. A family of GM heritage, the Fisher family Coach Wines are served at the Coach Insignia Restaurant atop the GM Renaissance Center.

Sleep

The Detroit are includes many fine hotels to fit all types of needs. This is only a small list of hotels and even though they are listed here, their info is brief. Make sure to check out the district articles for more.

Economy

Comfort Inn Downtown Detroit Hotel. 1999 E. Jefferson Ave. Tel: +1 313 567-8888. Fax: +1 313 567-5842. On Jefferson Avenue - approximately 1/2 mile east of the Renaissance Center and 1 mile from the Cobo Conference Center, Joe Louis Arena, among other downtown attractions of Detroit, Comerica Park (Tigers Baseball) and the new Ford Field (Lions Football) are only 2.5 miles from the hotel.

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center[49] Contemporary luxury hotel, overlooks the spectacular International Riverfront with many restaurants including Coach Insignia rooftop restaurant, shops, and 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. This is the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere, a world-class facility. This facility connects to the elevated rail system known as the People Mover which encircles the downtown area. Near Cobo Hall Convention Center, cruise ship dock, stadiums, Greektown, casinos, museums, Windsor, and area attractions. Guests have included Ronald Reagan.

Westin Southfield-Detroit[59] 1500 Town Center, Southfield [60]. Luxury hotel, stunning contemporary with fine restaurants and an enclosed atrium, hosts conferences for up to 1,000 attendees. 15 to 20 minutes from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Centrally located, minutes from downtown Detroit, Dearborn, and the suburbs. Near suburban shopping malls and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. Convenient for seeing the entire metro area. A world-class hotel inside the Southfield Town Center [61], across from Lawrence Technological University. In addition to Tangos restaurant, the atrium features Mushashi International (Japanese) Restaurant.

Contact

Stay safe

Like most major cities, crime tends to occur in areas where most tourists have little reason to visit. As with most urban areas, precautions should be taken when out after dark: stay in groups; do not carry large amounts of money; and avoid seedy neighborhoods. Stick to major freeways when possible and try to avoid smaller streets through unfamiliar neighborhoods. It is important as to how you carry yourself, doing this properly could easily keep you from getting mugged.

Contrary to some people's perceptions, downtown Detroit is generally well-policed and among the safest parts of the city.[63] Crimes can and do occur in downtown, but exercising common sense will go a long way toward keeping you and your valuables safe.

Sporting events, festivals and other large public events are always heavily policed and very safe. Sporadic crime events, mostly alcohol-related and involving groups of youths, have been reported at some of these events but they are by far the exception.

Unfortunately for the music-lover, much of the current music scene is scattered between downtown venues like the Majestic Theater/Magic Stick complex, places in Hamtramck, and suburban venues in places like Royal Oak. So you will have to drive, navigate the city at night, and typically park on the street. Some venues, such as Harpo's on the east side, are in fairly unsafe neighborhoods. Always use caution and ask around before going to a particular venue. People at record stores, guitar shops, "cool" clothing stores, and the like often visit and know which venues are easy to get to and reasonably safe.

Cope

Metro Detroit has a modern freeway system that is easy to navigate. But be advised that Michigan drivers tend to drive fast. The flow of traffic on a freeway is routinely ten miles over the speed limit, and weaving in and out of lanes is standard practice. If you are driving the posted speed limit in the fast lane, the driver behind you may have no qualms about tailgating you, so if you plan on driving slowly, get in the right lane. Detroit Metropolitan Airport has a conveniently attached Westin Hotel and conference center. The Airport is among the most modern in the United States with both international and domestic gates in the World Terminal. Galegroup's Hour Media LLC publishes a full color guest guide found in hotels in the metro Detroit area. Visitors may request a guest packet from the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsors Discover Detroit TV which airs Mondays at 5:30 PM on Detroit Public Television. The city has ample parking garages, valet, and pay-to-park lots near major attractions. Laurel Park Place Mall in Livonia has an attached Marriott Hotel. The Westin Hotel at the Southfield Town Center is centrally located for those needing access to the entire metropolitan region.

Get out

Although Detroit itself provides the majority of the region's visitor attractions, the metropolitan area is large and diverse and contains many hot spots and attractions that are also well worth visiting.

Ann Arbor - Home to the University of Michigan [64], Ann Arbor offers many attractions of a self-enclosed small city. A thriving downtown, lots of culture, and plenty of students. Cannabis possesion in this city outside of University of Michigan property is only a 25 dollar fine, making this one of the most liberal cities in Michigan. Canoeing is a favorite pastime on the Huron River, available through Metro parks [65] near Ann Arbor. Additionally, the city boasts the number one rated Ann Arbor Street Art Fair [66] which attracts over 500,000 attendees from across the nation each July. Enjoy the Beach at Kensington Metropark, or winter skiing at nearby Mt. Holly, and Brighton.

Dearborn - Detroit's suburb to the Southwest and home of Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, has a leading attraction, The Henry Ford (the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village) [67] a large historical and entertainment complex, and the Automotive Hall of Fame. Dearborn has the second largest Middle-Eastern population in the World, with mosques being a common sight and a wide selection of Middle-Eastern food and shopping. Detroit's public information campaign, "The World is Coming, Get in the Game" has created an online tour (see section "Do" for the link) of Dearborn's cultural scene.

Ferndale - The city that is trying to be the "New Royal Oak", big bar scene with some good restaurants.

Flint -- The home of the modern labor union movement in the US. While not as tourist-friendly as Ann Arbor, Flint has a great art scene for a city of its size and is much less pretentious.

Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River - Waterfront activities and living are among the luxuries of the metropolitan Detroit area. Experience cruises and boating on beautiful Lake St. Clair. The St. Clair River connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron. In the quiet town of St. Clair, along the St. Clair River, dine at the Voyager Seafood restaurant at 525 South Riverside. Enjoy the charm of a small town lifestyle in a major metropolitan area in and around Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay [68]. Visitors to downtown Detroit may reserve a dock at Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor [69]. Or enjoy a Great Lakes cruise [70].

Plymouth - With attractive downtown, the suburb is popular with local youth. Enjoy a world class golf experience at Plymouth's luxury resort, the Inn at St. John. Each year, the Plymouth Art Fair in July is well worth a visit.

Royal Oak - Home to the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak is a gentrified suburb outside of Detroit which boasts a night scene with exciting dining and a diverse avant-garde bar culture.

Troy - Troy contains the Somerset Collection, one of the largest malls in the midwest. Visit Nordstom, Macy's, Henri Bendel, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, Barney's New York, and more than 180 other specialty shops. Follow Big Beaver Road east as it becomes the Metropolitan Parkway toward Metropolitan Beach on beautiful Lake St. Clair.

Wyandotte - The "Downriver Royal Oak" as it has been dubbed by locals, Wyandotte has a bustling, family-friendly downtown strip with mom-and-pop shopping, art galleries, a golf course, ice-cream parlor, a charming riverside park, and numerous dining opportunities. Come the third Friday of the month for free food, trolley and carriage rides, and themed fun events sponsored by local businesses. July of each year sees the Wyandotte Art Fair, one of the best in the country.

Other destinations outside the Metro Detroit area include:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada -- lies just across the Ambassador Bridge [71]. Or through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel which is located right next to the Renaissance Center (good to use if you see traffic backed up onto I-75) This heavily trafficked border crossing has shaped Windsor more than anything else; well-maintained, walkable streets, shops and restaurants, Casino Windsor (Canada's largest), and adult entertainment. The lower drinking age (19) draws young Americans and ensures a vibrant club scene on weekends. Windsor provides great views of the Detroit skyline, especially on summer nights from waterfront Dieppe Park. Crossing the border requires a passport or original birth certificate (soon to be passport-only).

Lake Erie Tour Route and Lighthouses. Go back to the mainland and see the shoreline. The drive (or boat ride) around Lake Erie takes you through the Working Waterfronts around Buffalo NY, Cleveland OH, Detroit MI, Erie PA, Toledo, OH, and southern Ontario and is intermingled with beautiful preservations of flora and fauna as well as the history of North America's first westward expansion, the Old Northwest Territory.

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